The Definition of a Libero
- The libero is a highly specialized defensive player who must wear a different colored jersey from the rest of the team in order to make sure s/he stands out.
- The libero can go in and out of the game an unlimited amount of times; this does not count against the team’s total number of substitutions. The substitutions take place between the 10-foot (3-meter) line and the end line and can take place at any time that the ball is not in play. Although the libero can replace any back row player, s/he can only be replaced by the player s/he replaced.
- Liberos can’t overhand set the ball from on or in front of the 10-foot line. If they do the ball can’t be attacked above the height of the net in front of the 10-foot line. An underhand set (pass) is allowed from anywhere on the court.
- When originally implemented liberos weren’t allowed to serve, but a 2004 rule change allowed liberos to serve for one player in NCAA women’s volleyball. A similar rule change was applied to high school and club shortly after.
The libero has had a huge impact on the game of volleyball, especially at the international level. It has allowed for longer rallies and increased specialization, and it’s given shorter players the hope of playing at the highest levels. If you have more questions about this position, hit up the comments and I’ll try to go into more detail. It can seem really complicated, but once you get going in a game it’s not too difficult to track.
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The libero is a highly specialized defensive player that gets unlimited substitutions.
Although the libero can replace any back row player, s/he can only be replaced by the player s/he replaced.
There are usually two liberos are allowed and only one is allowed on the court.
Under international rules unfortunately not. Under US rules Libero may serve after replacing the player in position 1.
There are six at any time including the Libero, however there may be five more plus an extra Libero in reserve allowing the team to have 12 players available on each side.
The primary role of the libero in volleyball is a defensive specialist.
The libero is the third most important position on volleyball and definitely a good one to train for.
The biggest advantage of a Libero is to be a player that can be substituted as many times as possible. It also creates the role of a defensive captain.
Unfortunately a Libero cannot be allowed to be a team captain in volleyball.
Yes at local level and club level Liberos are allowed to serve.
The libero is an optional player and does not need to be in play. This means volleyball can be played without a libero. However that also means that the teams substitutions are limited.
Libero is pronounced in three syllables: LEE’-beh-ro
Photo by Ben Turnbull on Unsplash
